Because of a recent New York State Education Department ruling, about 450 special education students receiving instruction at home were being denied special services, but during the recently concluded legislative session, Sen. George Winner (R - Elmira) and cosponsors Asm. Benedetto (D - Bronx), Asm. Catherine Nolan (D - Ridgewood), Asm. Donna Lupardo (D - Endwell) and Asm. Englebright (D - Setauket) introduced legislation that would restore services to these students.

            The legislation was opposed by the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the School Boards’ Association, but in the final days of the 2007-2008 legislative session, the bills unanimously passed in their respective houses of the legislature.  (Emphasis mine.)

            Despite opposition, on July 7, 2008, God moved the heart of our Governor to sign the legislation (Prov. 21:1) restoring special services to disabled homeschooled children.

            The signing of this bill set into motion a 30-day window in which parents of special needs homeschooled students need to make a written request to their school district for such services. Parents must submit a written request for services to the school district where they reside by August 6, 2008. 

Thank you to all the prayer warriors and activists who helped make this happen. 

Yvette